My 2 Cents: Stories that helped us feel better about 2017

In 2017, the world seemed uncertain, a little bleak and extremely contentious.

But there were a few stories that managed to break through all that negativity.

Here are some of the national stories that helped us feel better about 2017.

The #MeToo movement: In early October, back-to-back bombshell reports in The New York Times and The New Yorker broke the initial allegations of sexual misconduct against Hollywood mogul Harvey Weinstein. The reports started a domino effect as man after man has been taken down for similar allegations as we navigate a national dialogue about a painful topic.

The solar eclipse: For the first time in 99 years, a total solar eclipse crossed the United States from coast to coast on Aug. 21, making for spectacular views of the celestial event of the century. It's estimated that 88 percent of Americans spent some time that day watching the show in the sky.

The #CuteAnimalTweetOff: It all began when the Smithsonian's National Zoo tweeted out a picture of a newborn gray seal pup. A Twitter user challenged the Virginia Aquarium to up the ante by showing their own adorable animals. The aquarium complied sending a picture of an otter and an osprey - igniting a playful competition that flooded the internet with pictures of adorable animals.

The return to "Twin Peaks": It was a great year for good TV. "Godless," "Stranger Things," "Game of Thrones" and "The Crown" were wonderful distractions from the constant barrage of political news. But the highlight for me was the revival of the "Twin Peaks" series made famous in the early 1990s for its quirky characters and completely unique storytelling. And it did not disappoint.

The Philadephia fandom: Philly sports are relevant again. While the playoff picture is looking a little shaky for the Eagles without Carson Wentz and the Sixers are having some turnover troubles as of late, I struggle to remember the last time I was so excited to watch these two teams play.